Well, the WSL is officially back and underway. What a first weekend it has been. Euro winner Aggie Beever-Jones scored a world-class goal, and a million-pound signing, Olivia Smith, scored the season's opening goal.
Chelsea v Manchester City
In the first match of the season, the defending title holders, Chelsea, were hoping to start, Chelsea, were hoping to start their title defence well against Manchester City and make it seven in a row. They defend their title well against Manchester City and make it seven in a row.
Chelsea won 2-1. The goals for the Blues were from Aggie Beever-Jones, Maika Hamano and an unfortunate own goal by Niamh Charles for the visitors at Stamford Bridge.
Naomi Girma did not play for the home side as she picked up a calf injury, though it has been said to be a minor issue unrelated to her injury when she signed for Chelsea.
Chelsea have gone 492 days unbeaten in the WSL, and Sonia has her 20th win in the WSL in her 23rd match, two games quicker than the previous fastest manager.
For the first time in 20 months, Sam Kerr was in the match-day squad. Though she did not appear, all the Aussies could see her warming up, and her pending return is likely to occur very soon.
Chelsea also introduced their new blockbuster signing, Alyssa Thompson, to the home fans.
There are injury concerns for City, whose last season was riddled with injuries that delayed their success. Alex Greenwood needed medical attention; however, it was not meant to be. Though they did not score, it looks promising for both if they can stay first all season. City's Bunny Shaw and Vivianne Miedema had excellent opportunities to score; however, it was not meant to be. However, though they did not score, it looks promising for both if they can stay first all season.
Arsenal v London City Lionesses
It was unknown what the home side would face in this match. London City had overhauled their WSL2 players over the summer and brought in 17 new signings and 11 players left, though they did take the lead through a penalty by Captain Kosovare Asllani, which lead did not stay long.
Their one million-pound signing, Olivia Smith, scored an emphatic long-range goal after ghosting through the midfield.
The other goals scored for Arsenal were Chloe Kell, Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum to end it 4-1.
Debutants at Emirates Stadium included England forward Nikita Parris, ex-Manchester United captain Katie Zelem
Rofiat Imuran could have contained Chloe Kelly for a considerable amount of the game, but at the end of the game, fatigue could have been seen on the newly promoted side, showing the jump in play between the two leagues. Plus, it's a relatively new side of players, so they have not had the chance to gel with each other as much.
Renee Slegers became the first WSL manager to win their first nine home games.
Brighton v Aston Villa 0-0
The most significant chance of the game from the visitors, Rachel Daly, almost gave the visitors a lead when a fierce 25-yard strike bounced off the crossbar.
Another England international had a chance when Michelle Agyemang got close to a goal for Brighton, but her low strike took a deflection and hit the post.
A header went wide for Kiko Seike as they could not grab the winner for the Seagulls.
Late drama for Villa with a free-kick by Lynn Wilms, which rebounded off the crossbar.
Spurs v West Ham 1-0
The home side won on a last-minute penalty. Eveliina Summanen drew a foul from Hammers captain Katrina Garry and won a late penalty.
Spurs Captain Bethany England converted it, though the keeper did get a touch on it, with four minutes remaining.
The game offers little entertainment or excitement, with both sides struggling to offer anything in attack.
The game’s first shot on target was not until the 41st minute.
Liverpool v Everton 4-1 (to the Blues)
Ninety-four years ago was the last time it happened. Ornella Vignola is the first Everton men's or women's player to score a hat-trick in a Merseyside derby since Dixie Dean in 1931.
Merseyside is blue, as Everton beat Liverpool 4-1 at Anfield with a hat-trick for Ornella Vignola on her welcome to English football. She became the fourth Everton player ever to score a hat trick.
Everton manager Brian Sørensen’s side made it six wins from six at Anfield.
Liverpool had impressed in the first half and took the lead when Cornelia Kapocs thumped the ball past goalkeeper Courtney Brosana in the 12th minute.
Everton boss Brian Sorensen's changes at half-time also made a difference, with club record signing Ruby Mace adding control in midfield.
Manchester United v Leicester City 4-0
Jess Park debuted for Man Utd after the great Manchester swap from City. They won 4-0 against Leicester City.
Ella Toone scored the first goal one year after her father's passing, dedicating the goal to the sky.
On Instagram, Toone wrote: "1 year without you, Dad, it’s been the toughest year of my life, but I had comfort in knowing you were always with me. I miss you more than anything, and the feeling of entering another year without you kills me, but I keep going to make you proud. Thank you to everyone who has helped me through it all, including my family, friends, and teammates. You would have loved that today, & as always, it was all for you. Here’s to another 365 days of thinking, talking and laughing about you and all the memories we made. Cheers, Dad, I love you."
Melvine Malard scored two goals, half the amount she scored last season, when she scored 3-0 and then 4-0.
Toone assisted Elizabeth Terland, who scored the second goal.
Leitzig did make three excellent saves to deny Toone. Still, questions were asked of the German again, 17 minutes from time, when she came to punch clear a cross from Dominique Janssen and got nowhere near it as Melvine Malard, who was excellent throughout for the hosts, turned home United's third.
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